I have a slight obsession right now with tea.

Is it possible to drink too much tea? I find myself craving a cup of green tea to start my morning, a cup of Gingerbread or Sugar Cookie or French Vanilla in the afternoon, and then perhaps a cup of peppermint to wind down in the evening.

They say you can’t have too much of a good thing, right?

Although…could it be possible to OCD on holiday tea from last year? I hope not. I for sure won’t stop my habit, and you know I’m too cheap to throw it away. So, sip on year old tea I will. It still tastes mighty good!

This afternoon, I prepared a cup of the Gingerbread decaf tea for a little pick-me-up. While sipping, I perused the site Rock My Run for new race playlist ideas. That site is a gold mine. I came across so many songs that I kept forgetting to download!

I immediately hit up Amazon Marketplace and can’t wait to have some new tunes to power me through my half on Saturday. Speaking of which, thanks for all the support on the concerns I voiced earlier. You guys (<—rock). Just like my new playlist!

While I did add some songs by the likes of Pitbull, Rhianna, Katy Perry, and LMFAO for their perfect running beats, I also added some other favorite music – some of my favorite inspirational songs. People think Christian  music is all gospely and sing-songy, but I have to tell you otherwise. You can find some really great beats with lyrics that can get you feeling stronger and more motivated no matter who you are.

Check out my favorites below and see what I mean by the perfect lyrics to give you that extra oomph or help you push through doubt towards the end of a run.

Tunnel (Third Day)

I won’t deny the pain that you’re feeling, but I’ll give you the hope you’re waiting for
There's a light at the end of this tunnel, Shinin' bright at the end of this tunnel
For you, for you, So keep holdin' on

Strong Enough – Mathew West

Well maybe that’s the point, to reach the point of giving up
’Cause when I’m finally, finally at rock bottom
Well, that’s when I start looking up

The Light In Me (Brandon Heath)

This path is sure too hard, You are the hope that leads me out of the dark

When Everything Falls Apart (Fee)

When everything falls apart and my strength is gone
I find you mighty and strong, you keep holding on

Burn For You (Toby Mac)

You got me higher than Kilimanjaro, Got me believin' I can "save the day"
I'm up and running like their ain't no tomorrow, I'd rather burn for you than fade away

Some other favorites for their great beat:

• Shine Bright (You Are The Way) – Jeremy Camp
• Symphony – Switchfoot
• Roaring Like A Lion – David Crowder Band
• pretty much anything Toby Mac

Apparently, I think you can’t have too much of a good thing when it comes to running songs either. I added quite a few to my library and I think I’m all covered! I’m trying to hold off on listening to a lot of it until race day. Have to make it special and extra leg-pump-worth.

• What’s something you have a lot of and makes you stick by the “can’t have too much of a good thing” saying?
• Where do you find ideas for music motivation? Do you like anything “different” than the standard pop or hip-hop?

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a new workout top and capris from 4all by jofit! Ends tonight!

Normally on Wednesday nights we have our small group at church. Well, last night we ended up having to cancel because very few of us could make it. It felt like back in college when I would get the announcement that class had been cancelled. Suddenly, a whole slew of options to have some fun and relaxation came pouring in. Although I chose to spend my time a little differently than I did those days. No getting started on the pre-party earlier here.

Old school flashback…

Eeeep! I don’t even know that girl anymore. (I’m on the far right…)

I feel much better with how my sudden downtime went last night.

First up, I filled my time with even more play with the kids. After already feeling so much less pressure on myself and having the time to do what matters most, I couldn’t wait to soak up even more of that feeling.

We played Makenzie’s very first board game…

…then hit up the library for some new books.

I love this child’s love of books! I think that is why Belle is her favorite princess.

Of course that meant I had to read a bajillion books when we got home from the library. Although reading about surfing pigs or moons falling from the sky didn’t keep me from reading my own book.

I cracked open Heaven Is For Real (part of the gift exchange from Chelsey) for the last 30 minutes of the kids’ naps earlier in the afternoon. It had me hooked so after the kids went to bed, I immediately grabbed the book to read more.

I even welcomed the fact we had to scrounge up dinner in a fend-for-yourself fashion. I poured a bowl of leftover tortellini soup and read my book cozily over the spicy soup.

Yep. It was that good that even dinner took second place. And I finished it over the next 2 hours. Wow. What a good story. It made me sit in amazement. I wish I could talk to the kid!

As wonderful as it felt to have some extra down time when I needed it most, I still missed getting the chance to meet up with friends for support and discussion. Especially since we have had so many great topics come our way recently. Like this one that I simply must share:

Success vs Achievement

One of the biggest things that struck me in the group study we have been sharing recently is the need to not only use our gifts, but to use them wisely. It can be really easy for things like pride or a desire for recognition to get in the way. I know I can relate!

I know the passions I have and the feedback I receive affirm many of what I believe as my strengths. Even take blogging for an example. It can reflect some of my strengths in  connecting with and encouraging others, but, as I recently shared, I can easily let it overtake my happiness and other important parts of life if I’m not aware.

I loved this simple definition I found in one of my devotionals:

I think that about sums it up perfectly. I want to become the best version of my ENTIRE self. I don’t want to work on being “successful”. I want to work on being the best me I can be. And trust that will be more than enough.

• What is the last thing that sucked you in and you couldn't step away?
• How would you differentiate success or achievement?